There’s something extraordinary about exploring Australia no matter the season, but especially in wintertime.

Temperatures for the southern half of the country drop, allowing us to experience snow atop mountains and revel in comfort foods.

Those who prefer to chase the sun can venture north and appreciate a pina colada while perched poolside.

Whether you’re batting for team snow or sun, there are many exciting ways to winter this year! Let’s uncover them below.

VIC winter experiences

Magic on Mt Buffalo

For a real-life winter wonderland encounter, try tobogganing or snowshoeing on Mt Buffalo near the beautiful High Country town of Bright. Head to Dingo Dell for sledding and thaw out afterwards with a hot choccy at the onsite café.

With its impressive granite cliffs, Mt Buffalo commands attention but especially when it’s sprinkled with snow during winter. And those who like to ski can enjoy adventurous cross-country skiing. Or, if you’re fresh to the slopes, take baby steps with ski lessons.

Book now: BIG4 Bright Holiday Park, BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park, or BIG4 Wangaratta North Cedars Holiday Park.

Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill

Sweet sounds, dazzling lights, and wintery delights are just some of the beauties you’ll experience at this winter-filled festival at Sovereign Hill, held from 25 June-18 July.

There’s an entire entertaining theatre program on offer, bundles of activities to keep the kiddies amused, and vibrant projects to feast your eyes upon. This is one Christmas in July you’ll be keen to sport the ugly sweater to!

Book now: BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park or BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park.

NSW winter experiences

Have a whale of a time

While much of the world associates winter with mountains, we tend to do things a little differently here in Aus. Wintertime just happens to be the season of humpback whale migration.

The giants of the ocean depart Antarctica and head to warmer waters northwards, and the NSW coastline is littered with prime viewing locations as they make the annual trek up and back. Alongside a raft of whale-watching hotspots, there is a boat-load of cruise options available where up-close encounters dial the wow-factor up to the max.

Book now: BIG4 parks in NSW.

Go caving at Jenolan Caves

Located in the beautiful Blue Mountains are the Jenolan Caves, and while a treat at any time of the year, there’s something extra special about a visit here in winter.

With fewer people typically visiting in cooler months, you can potentially enjoy the caverns all to yourself…oh, and a guide. Take pleasure in witnessing Australia’s largest and most-acclaimed limestone caves.

Book now: NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park.

SA winter experiences

The Winter Village, Adelaide

For the most winterly popup event in Adelaide, the Winter Village is the best place to chill – literally! It features ice skating, popup bars, eateries, and none other than a magical igloo village.

Want to dine in your very own private igloo? Well, of course you do! Rent an igloo and live it up in the cosiness with plush pillows, twinkling fairy lights, and delicious food and drink delivered to your door – or snow block, if we’re talking igloo terms.

Book now: BIG4 West Beach Parks.

Get close to giant cuttlefish

Head to the Eyre Peninsula for a truly rare experience. From May to July, thousands of giant cuttlefish grace the waters of Whyalla to breed. You can experience the spectacle and have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with these critters on a guided snorkelling adventure. Yes, please! From here, further exploration of the Eyre Peninsula’s stunning coastline is a must, and it’s even more spectacular in winter.

Book now: BIG4 Ceduna Tourist Park.

TAS winter experiences

Warm up on the Tasmanian Whisky Trail

Nothing says winter quite like whisky tasting; it’s the perfect heart-warming activity! When you follow the Tasmanian Whisky Trail, you can visit distilleries like Sullivans Cove in Hobart or Launnie’s very own distillery, aptly named Launceston Distillery.

Whisky connoisseurs will lap up Tasmanian Whisky Week, held across the Apple Isle in August, for exploration of Tassie’s best distilleries and an opportunity to meet the makers. You even get the first tasters of some premium whiskeys. Cheers to that!

Book now: BIG4 Hobart Airport Holiday Park, BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park, or all BIG4 parks in TAS.

Go on a ghost tour of Port Arthur

Port Arthur can be a spooky spot any time of the year, but on a cold winter night, the eeriness dials up a notch or three. Embark on a lantern-lit ghost tour and discover the site’s haunted side and learn the stories of strange paranormal activity over the years. Feel the mystery and intrigue on an after-dark escapade. Spooktacular!

Book now: NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park or BIG4 Hobart Airport Holiday Park.

NT winter experiences

Thaw out in Darwin

Winter welcomes dry season in delightful Darwin and frankly, friends, we’re here for it! Warm sunny days in plunge pools and cool nights at sunset markets are just some of what’s on offer during winter in D-Town.

We’d even recommend stepping indoors and treating yourself to some aircon at many of the museums like the Mason Art Gallery, home to Australia’s richest Aboriginal art exhibited through paintings, carvings, and weavings. Or step back in time at the Darwin History and Wartime Museum, which transports you back to World War II in authentic army trucks and ammunition storage bunkers.

Book now: BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park.

Stargaze at the Milky Way, Alice Springs

Oh, this one has winter magic written in the stars (see what we did there)! A warm cuppa or a cold beer under a starry sky is how we like to winter. Outback NT is known for being one of the top locations to see sparkling stars.

For an extra starry-eyed experience, view them with the backdown of Uluru in the heart of the NT. There are even local tours to learn astronomy, and the opportunity to capture the cosmos on your cam! *Immediately turns up Ellie Goulding’s “Oh, everybody’s starry-eyed.”

Book now: BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park, Alice Springs.

OLD winter experiences

Abbey Medieval Festival, Caboolture

History comes to life via this fun-filled, slightly quirky event, held from 2-4 July at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology.

Re-enactors, jousters, and performers take on starring roles at this popular festival and jostle for attention along with markets, crafts, games and much more. There’s even a dedicated family day on the Friday.

Book now: BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort or BIG4 Caloundra Holiday Park.

Soak up the sun in North QLD

Exploring the wonderful Whitsundays, diving into the Great Barrier Reef, day-tripping to Magnetic Island, unmasking the delightful Daintree…the list goes on. And on. And this read about 15 fabulous things to do in North QLD is the best place to start.

Book now: BIG4 parks in Tropical North QLD.

WA winter experiences

Try Truffles in Margaret River

Head to the famed Margaret River region for its iconic truffle season. Yep, each year fresh and delicious black truffles are celebrated with none other than truffle demonstrations and premium cooking experiences.

This is the perfect winter activity where you can wool up, get the gumboots on, and head on a delectable truffle hunt.

Book now: BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River.

Get your skates on at Winterworld

You can’t let winter pass and not test your balance and coordination skills with some ice skating. And what better place to give it a crack than with open-air ice skating combined with a winter festival.

Winterworld takes place in fascinating Fremantle and runs from July 2-25. Oh, and before we forget to mention, there’s a fun silent disco (dished up on ice) too, for those who like a boogie. Well, there’s one event you won’t even have to try to convince any adults or minis to go along to.

Book now: BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park.